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South Dakota Passes Right on Crime Reforms into Law

AUSTIN – Today, the Right on Crime campaign congratulated South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard for signing major criminal justice reforms into law. These reforms would reduce costs by holding nonviolent offenders accountable through parole, probation, drug courts and other cost-effective programs.

Foundation President and CEO Brooke Rollins said, “We are happy to see yet another state move forward on criminal justice reforms that align with conservative principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free enterprise. We applaud Governor Daugaard and South Dakota lawmakers for taking bold actions that will reduce crime while saving the taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The bill, The South Dakota Public Safety Improvement Act (SB 70), was signed into law at a ceremony at the state capitol building in Pierre. The Right on Crime campaign helped educate lawmakers and the public about conservative support for criminal justice reforms in states around the country.

Marc Levin, Policy Director for Right on Crime added, “Criminal justice reform advocates are celebrating today across the country. Because of these reforms, South Dakota will not need to build two more prisons. Instead, the state will save money, provide better public safety and reduce recidivism.”

Right on Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation that supports fighting crime, prioritizing victims and protecting taxpayers. It was founded in 2010 in order to increase public awareness of the conservative position on criminal justice policy, based on values such as limited government, fiscal discipline, and personal responsibility.

National conservative leaders such as Grover Norquist, former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and former federal “drug czar” Bill Bennett are among those who have signed the Right on Crime Statement of Principles.

Brooke Rollins is President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Marc Levinis Director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Right on Crime is a national campaign that supports fighting crime, prioritizing victims and protecting taxpayers.

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RIGHT ON CRIME is a national campaign to promote successful, conservative solutions on American criminal justice policy—reforming the system to ensure public safety, shrink government, and save taxpayers money. By sharing research and policy ideas and mobilizing strong conservative voices, we work to raise awareness of the growing support for effective reforms within the conservative movement. We are transforming the debate on criminal justice in America.